by Tom O'Hare | Oct 5, 2026 | College Admissions, College Planning, College Readiness, Uncategorized
- College is No Longer the Only Path
- One Path Can Be Extremely Expensive
- Life After HS Planning Begins Now
Life after high school shouldn’t be just one thought, go to college. Students and families can follow six pathways after graduation. Sure, you might hear someone talk about it, or politicians and educators express the need, but few pathways are supported and celebrated as intensely as college. Now, don’t get the wrong idea: college is an essential future path for students and families. As a college advisor, I recognize the need for more skilled trade professionals, more people willing to serve, and more young entrepreneurs who are reskilling. We have an unfortunate gap in how we invest in early awareness, education, and counseling to expose and support students in middle school and the early days of high school. Let’s start holding signing sessions and raise a glass to all destinations after high school. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/is-there-a-counseling-gap-for-non-college-going-students/2026/08
To pursue a college education after high school, students and families need to budget and plan. The sticker price now averages $70K to $100K a year to purchase a year’s worth of education at leading colleges in Massachusetts, New England, and across the country. While few pay the sticker price, many students and families can expect an annual funding gap of $20K to $30K. A gap that reflects choices. What college we investigate, select, and attend, and what influences our decision. A gap ultimately paid from monthly disposable income, savings, and potentially credit-based financing. HINT: Financial aid DOES NOT cover the whole gap.
September of a student’s senior year is a time of excitement and joy, as twelve + years of structured education come to an end. For many, it is a time of stress, anxiety, and emotions as they worry about what’s next. Many parents, caregivers, and guardians feel the same. The reality is, September doesn’t have to be this way. Too many students and families wait until September to start thinking about life after high school. We leave it to the professionals who surround students daily, but in reality, they are overextended and under-resourced to meet every student’s needs. Parents, please take the reins and begin planning the end of 10th grade. This process involves education and awareness, conversation and goal setting, assessing academic and financial strengths and weaknesses, and applying resources to help. Creating a student and family plan and working through it at a life-balanced pace can lead to a stress-free, successful outcome.
Closing Thought – Op-Ed Comment
If this September is an example of how our educational and business community is supporting and advocating for change – the dial is moving ever so slowly. In my work as a college and career school advisor, I continue to experience a growing number of students and families scrambling to figure out what to do after high school. Their questions are the same as my parents’ generation, but now come with an increasingly high level of stress and anxiety that is negatively affecting school and work-life balance. These questions span all socioeconomic statuses and neighborhoods. Unanswered questions can lead to risky personal and financial decisions.
If what you’re reading strikes a chord, reach out and share your thoughts. Email me at tom@gtcollegegoing.com. If you’re a business leader or educator and think your workplace might benefit from a seminar or friendly employee Q&A session, let’s get something on the calendar.
by Tom O'Hare | Sep 10, 2026 | Before, College Planning, College Readiness
In my travels and work with students and families this past month, I learned about a new condition affecting high school families: Nervcited.
Nervcited: the combination of nervousness and excitement, often referring to a big, emotional, nerve-wracking event.
Not to be found in a medical journal or parenting magazine, this playful reference to a condition is playing out in many homes of high school seniors now and throughout the Fall. It could have even started over the summer, or been festering in the house since an older sibling graduated from high school. Either way, If not caught in time, Nervcited can be very disruptive to the lives of a student, parents, caregivers, and guardians. Can even get passed down to younger siblings waiting to start their life after high school planning.
What are the symptoms of Nervcited, how can it be detected, and is there a remedy to correct the condition? The answer is yes.
SYMPTOMS
Include heightened parental blood pressure, roller-coaster student behavior, clashes in the car or at the kitchen island, failure to have and follow a plan, and, most notably, noise from well-meaning friends and social influencers.
HOW TO DETECT?
Excitement after a campus visit, until a caring friend says it’s not for you (or your student); realizing savings are limited and we’re looking at $80K in school; revealing the 1st draft of the college essay only to have one explode after it’s read; or a bewildered look as one attempts to follow a different path with little or no support on how to move forward.
WHAT TO DO?
First, as a parent, caregiver, or guardian of a 10th- or 11th-grade student, hit pause. Slow down slightly, but with purpose. Your student is just restarting school and sports, dance, and extracurricular activities. They’re worried. Plus, you’re balancing your own work-life balance now that the summer is over.
Second, anything missed in the past is over; it’s time to focus on what you need to be dealing with now and over the coming months.
Get to Work NOW – Get ot the plan and deadlines, review priorities due now, in October, November, and into the later Fall. Less for 10th graders (PSAT’s, military academy, college fairs, assessing savings, hunting for scholarships), more for 11th grade, college/career school-bound students (essay, FAFSA, Common App, school selections). Also, turn to your trusted colleagues and professionals for unbiased, non-judgmental assistance.
Remember, Nervcited isn’t always visible. Some symptoms only reveal themselves after we, as parents, caregivers, guardians, and professionals, ask the right questions the right way.
If you reading this for the first time, let me introduce you to my four pillars: Finding the right education pathway, at the right school, for the right reason, at an affordable investment. My ongoing focus is to reinforce that we are no longer living in a one-size-fits-all post-high-school educational pathway. Action steps to find the ‘right fit’ to foster the growth of a student’s mind, body, and spirit are plentiful and 100% dependent on goals, capabilities, and wants, with the support of family and friends. We’re no longer following the playbook of our parents’ generation.
If you like what you’re reading, drop me a line at tom@getcollegegoing.com
If you have questions, inquiries, or what-if scenarios on areas before, during, and after college, call or text me: 617-240-7350.
by Tom O'Hare | Mar 15, 2025 | Before, College Admissions, College Planning, College Readiness
Occasionally, we all need an advisor or coach to help us navigate the unknown. For parents of high school students, deciding what to do after high school can be daunting. That is where a college counselor can help. A good counselor is unbiased and nonjudgmental and is working for the sole purpose of helping a student succeed. A counselor (advisor) should be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of planning and funding college and keen to be able to help students and families find the four rights to life after high school: the right education pathway, for the right reason, and at the right school for an affordable investment. (The four rights i follow in my private practice)
Parents and students should begin working with a counselor around October of the junior year, when their student takes the PSATs, earlier if possible. A counselor should provide insights and direction on how to pay for college, where to consider going, and how to apply. They’re there to answer questions, share insights, identify deadlines, and help manage connecting the dots between admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and student recruitment.
As my youngest son reminds me, hundreds of students and families navigate the process and successfully enroll in college every year. Yes, that is true, but for the select few who find themselves overwhelmed, paralyzed, and fearful of failing, a college counselor (advisor) can be the key to their sanity and students’ success.
Finding the right fit is based on working with a student and their family to align them with colleges and universities where they can continue to grow academically, feel personally safe, have a chance to have a strong, supportive social network, and where the cost of enrolling is affordable. Finding the right fit is a personal, individual process that takes time and discovery and can benefit from having a college counselor or an advisor helping to guide the way.
Here are a few other reasons:
- Personalized Guidance
- Through regular meetings, we help students identify schools that are the best fit academically, socially, and financially.
- We provide insights on raising the bar to show interest through email campaigns, 1-1 meetings, and keeping the school aware of a student’s strengths, interests, and goals.
- Help to identify different paths after high school and navigate the conversation at home.
- Application Strategy & Organization
- Advisors help manage deadlines, essays, recommendation letters, and standardized testing schedules.
- They create a structured timeline to reduce stress and last-minute scrambling.
- Essay Coaching & Editing
- Many advisors assist students in crafting compelling college essays that stand out.
- They provide feedback to ensure authenticity while meeting the expectations of admissions officers.
- Financial Aid & Scholarships
- A good advisor helps families navigate financial aid forms like the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
- We provide endless training on how to hunt for scholarships, including starting early and never stopping.
- Reducing Stress & Family Conflicts
- Involving a third party can ease tensions between parents and students and ensure open communication and shared goals.
- Were neutral, unbiased, and nonjudgmental with the student and their family’s objective always in mind.
- We Focus on the Probability of Acceptance
- At the right college that falls under three categories, unlikely >30%, but let’s apply; targeted <50% and Likely >75%.
- Advisors provide insights into what colleges are looking for in prospective students.
- We assist with interview preparation, extracurricular planning, and strong application positioning.
- Knowledge of Changing Admissions Trends
- The college admissions landscape changes frequently (test-optional policies, holistic admissions, financial aid, government intervention, college and university business decisions), etc.
- As an advisor, I stay current on these trends and help families adjust their strategies accordingly.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, paralyzed, and fearful of failing your student, give a call or text – 617-240-7350, Every good ending starts with a good conversation!!
by Tom O'Hare | Mar 8, 2025 | Before, College Admissions, College Planning, College Readiness
2025 SPRING COLLEGE FAIRS & EVENTS
They want to meet you. Who? College, university, and trade school Admission Representatives. They will be at your high school and regional and national college fairs. They want to meet you to discuss their academic programs, campus life, clubs, and extracurricular programs. They are coming to pique your curiosity as a prospective student.
This is your chance to connect with colleges, universities, trade schools, and members of the Armed Services recruiting students. An opportunity for you to meet with Representatives on your list or learn about ones to add. Time to explore, ask questions, shake hands, and sign up to receive information. PLUS, share your high school resume!!
If you cannot attend one of these events, don’t worry; in the future, you will be able to participate in a virtual meeting sponsored by the individual colleges, NEACAC (New England Association of College Admission Counselors) and NACAC.(National Association of College Admission Counselors).
Check with your Guidance Department to learn about colleges and universities attending!!. College Fair Checklist
Here are events happening in the evenings, weekends, and special events in Massachusetts this spring
High School Visits and Collee Fairs
- Lowell Catholic College Fair
Wednesday, March 5 at 6:00 PM
Lowell, MA
- Brookline High School College Fair
Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00 PM
Brookline, MA
- Reading Memorial High School College Fair
Wednesday, March 12 at 6:30 PM
Reading, MA
- Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School College Fair
Thursday, March 13 at 8:30 AM
Upton, MA
- Billerica Memorial High School College Fair
Thursday, March 13 at 6:00 PM
Billerica, MA
- Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School College Fair
Thursday, March 13 at 6:00 PM
- NACAC Springfield
Tuesday, March 18 at 9:00 AM
West Springfield, MA
- Littleton High School College Fair
Tuesday, March 18 at 6:00 PM
Littleton, MA
- Great Northeast Career & College Fair
Wednesday, March 19 at 5:30 PM
Middleboro, MA
- Catholic Memorial High School Mini College Fair
Wednesday, March 26 at 8:30 AM
West Roxbury, MA
- Boston College High School College Fair
Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 PM
Boston, MA
- NACAC Boston – Morning Session
Thursday, March 27 at 9:00 AM
Boston, MA
- NACAC Boston – Evening Session
Thursday, March 27 at 6:00 PM
Boston, MA
- NACAC Boston – Morning Only
Friday, March 28 at 9:00 AM
Boston, MA
- Greater Essex County College and Career Fair
Thursday, April 3 at 6:00 PM
Newburyport, MA
- Malden Catholic High School College Fair
Thursday, April 3 at 6:00 PM
Malden, MA
- Bishop Stang High School College Fair
Tuesday, April 8 at 5:30 PM
N Dartmouth, MA
- Phillips Academy-Andover College Fair
Monday, April 28 at 5:00 PM
Andover, MA
- NEACAC Merrimack College Fair
Sunday, May 4 at 6:00 PM
North Andover, MA
- Bishop Feehan High School College Fair
Wednesday, May 7 at 6:00 PM
Attleboro, MA
- NEACAC Assumption College
Wednesday, May 14, 5:30 PM
Worcester, MA
- Woburn High School Junior College Fair
Thursday, May 22 at 8:00 AM
Woburn, MA
NEACAC Bridgewater State University
Thursday, May 29 at 9:00 AM
Bridgewater, MA
by Tom O'Hare | Aug 30, 2024 | College Admissions, College Readiness
Students are heading off to college. Dorms are filling up, and new classmates are showing up in the hallways as the experience becomes real.
This summer I spoke with five students who had just completed their first year of college. We discussed their experiences, challenges, and the advice they would give to their past selves. Their stories were filled with lessons learned. Here are their top eight. I am so proud of the group!!
Who are they, you ask? My cohort of students is a diverse group. Their schools are close to home, two hours away, and one arrived by plane. They enrolled in schools with 20K and 5K students. They have different academic interests; some play DIII and club sports. Their diversity reflects the varied experiences you can expect in college.
What did they share?
#1 Comment—Get out of your DORM. A dorm room is for sleeping, unwinding, and relaxing with friends and roommates. Get out of your dorm. Find a quiet place to study away from the dorm. Find a calm place: library, tech center, or academic center.
#2 New friends are not all in the dorm. Outside of roommates (one was a horror show) and neighbors, all agreed they met more friends outside of the residence hall. Join a club or two, get involved with intramurals, eat in the dining hall, and attend events.
#3 College academics are more challenging than anticipated. Whether high school was a breeze or one spent long hours studying, the first semester was rough. There was a lot of reading and taking notes and a huge expectation from the faculty that you would do the work. Create some good study habits and stay on top of work. There was no handholding.
#4 Get to the Academic Center EARLY. Two of the rising Sophomores waited until the end of the semester to see out help—not their best move. Collectively, they all mentioned that their expectation of getting A’s, like in high school, became the reality of B’s and C’s. No one will be asking if you need help. Do not procrastinate.
#5 The 1st week or so was tough – One was alone more than she thought, everyone got homesick a bit, and all acknowledged they learned their ability to be independent
#6 Read your emails – Events, messages from faculty, assignments, deadlines, and more are all communicated through emails and the student portal. Stay on top of things to avoid getting behind.
#7 Less is More – Everyone agreed; they took too much stuff to campus and sent most of it home.
#8 Be healthy – exercise, eat right, hydrate, get enough sleep, and watch out for free time. Check-in at home periodically; they want to know how you are doing.
Keep an eye on your college students. It’s a new experience and they will need you help. The key to one’s first year in college, 4YR, 2YR, Community College is making the transition to the world of higher education. A very different experience.
Like what you read, share my website and blog with your friends, colleagues and fellow parents.
by Tom O'Hare | Mar 3, 2024 | College Admissions, College Planning, College Readiness
The college admission process is stressful enough … add this year’s financial aid debacle, and you have sources of students and families on edge. But, no, let’s make matters worse.
If it isn’t hard enough for families to navigate the college planning, finding, applying, and funding process, colleges and universities are exerting more pressure on anxious students. It comes from all places: housing and resident life.
As an education advisor already trying to stem the stress and strain of the admission decision-making process and uncertainty on how to pay, I now hear from students and parents that emails are arriving with a message: no housing deposit, no room.
Growing up in the industry, the process, procedure, and protocol that college-bound students and families follow have been to find a school, apply, get accepted, learn about financial aid (or lack thereof), and then, after evaluating your options, say yes, here is my May 1 deposit. Add me to the list of incoming first-year students. Only then was the next step to send a housing deposit to secure a dorm room.
Did I miss a significant shift in the process? A new business decision on campus. If not, Presidents, Deans, VPs, Directors, and Managers on campus, why are you putting the cart before the horse? Why are you adding to the already emotional, stressful period in the lives of many highly vulnerable young teens?
On behalf of my students and families, please share the why?
Posted on Linkedin and FB – 3/3/2024 – no campus comments yet.
